A new Fire Chief has been selected for the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD). Last fall, Chief Bryan Collins announced his retirement for...
SVFD MAKES CONTINGENT OFFER TO POTENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR FIRE CHIEF
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Board FAQ’s
What is the purpose of the Board of Fire Commissioner?
The Spokane Valley Board of Fire Commissioners, consisting of five elected individuals, is responsible for governing the operations of the District. The board is generally responsible for the following areas:
- Determining levels of service and establishing goals.
- Determining type and level of funding, approve budgets, tax levies.
- Establishing policies and approve operational procedures.
- Employing key personnel, supervising chief.
- Guiding strategic planning.
- Representing District to public
What is the role of each elected Fire Commissioner?
It is important to note that individual fire commissioners have no individual authority to operate a fire protection district. Instead, individual commissioners have the following responsibilities:
- Attend meetings of the board of commissioners.
- Educate themselves to understand the history of our District, the laws governing the operation of the District and the individual’s role in governing the District.
- Actively participate in the governance of the District by working with the board of commissioners in open public meetings.
- Understand and comply with all ethics laws.
- Act as a representative of your District with a professional demeanor.
- Avoid any attempts to unilaterally direct staff members or micromanage the staff. The board of commissioners runs the District through the Chief, individual commissioners do not, and should not, attempt to run the District.
- Represent all constituents and avoid special interests. Maintain confidentiality of privileged or private District records and information
How do I let a Fire Commissioner know my opinion on an issue?
There are several ways to contact an individual Fire Commissioner to share your thoughts, opinions or to simply ask questions. One, send an email to the Chair of the Fire Commissioners, as listed on the web page and he or she will be sure other commissioners or staff are aware of your topic. You can call a individual commissioner and share your thoughts but please remember, an individual fire commissioner has no authority to operate any portion of the fire district; staff, facilities, equipment or operation procedures in the field. With that said, know your thoughts and concerns will be taken into consideration and will be forwarded to the board or administrative staff for review.
How do I comment on a Fire Commissioner Meeting?
In the ‘Days of Old’. prior to Covid-19 guidelines, you would simply attend a regularly scheduled commissioners meeting and share your thoughts with the board during the Public Input section. With new guidelines, our process is easier. Prior to a regularly scheduled board meeting which occurs the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, you simply go to www.Spokanevalleyfire.com and post your comment prior to 2:00 p.m. and it will be submitted for review by the Board Chair. The good news is that you do not even have to leave the comfort of your office or your home to attend a Spokane Valley Fire Department Commissioners meeting. The Chair will take the information you submitted into consideration and then distribute to the appropriate personnel; to all commissioners, the Fire Chief, or both.
Is there a way to comment even if I miss the meeting?
Comments are always welcome! Please use our web page to send a thought, email the board chair or an individual commissioner. Phone calls are welcome as well.
How do I watch a Commissioner meeting?
Visit our webpage at www.spokanevalleyfire.com and login to either our regular scheduled meetings or our work sessions. Dates and time are posted on the web page.
What if I miss the meeting, is there a way to watch later?
All the Spokane Valley Fire Board of Commissioners meetings are recorded and are included on the Spokane Valley Fire webpage.
How can I schedule a meeting with a Fire Commissioner?
All the members of the Spokane Valley Fire Department have other work commitments outside the duties of being a fire commissioner. If you want to meet with an individual commissioner, please find their email information on the website and contact them directly. If you just want to meet with a commissioner at-large, send an email to the current Board Chair and they will make sure that you get a response. Please know that with Covid-19 regulations or suggested guidelines, these meetings may be by phone or virtual based.
How Can I request a Fire Commissioner to attend an event or speak at an event?
Each commissioner is actively involved in the community and would welcome the opportunity to attend or speak at an event. Currently, under Covid-19 regulations or suggested guidelines, these meetings may need to be virtual, by phone or in very small groups with suggested spacing recommended. When Covid-19 becomes a ‘past memory’ other options will be openly received.
Did you Know?
- You can sign up for a station tour. Great for small groups.
- You should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year.
- Creating a defensible space with regards to wildfires could just save your home or property.
- We have Friends & Family CPR classes every month.
